just trying get some info on the proper usage of black and blue cohash. My Sister is due and is trying to get her labor going. She's heard it is very effective but is not sure of the dosage and how to use it. Does anyone know?
I have no idea about cohash, but I do know that nipple stimulation causes uterine contractions. Her husband will love to hear that! Good luck!
Black and blue cohosh are actually from two different plant families, they do two different things. Both are uterine tonics, meaning they strengthen the tone of the uterine muscle..... Black cohosh (caulophyllum) can be used in a homeopathic form, which is more mild than the whole plant extract, or tea, and is sometimes used to initiate labor. Black cohosh is an anti-spasmodic herb, which affect peripheral nerves and muscle tissue, so it can have a relaxing effect on the body
Blue cohosh(cimicifuga) is taken in a tea or extract form to start labor, or regulate a stalled labor. It is an emmenagogue, meaning it stimulates uterine contractions.and is also a demulcent, meaning it soothes the mucous membranes.
If your sister does not have knowledge or experience with herbs, than she should certainly consult an herbalist or midwife who is familiar with herbs....however, the advice you received saying that they are dangerous is false! when used appropriately they are certainly safer than a pitocin drip, or an insertion of cytotec!!
the most important tool though to prepare for labor is a calm nervous system, when she feels safe and supported, and loved, then her own hormonal cocktail will be the most beneficial of all to initiate birth.
A., As a labor and delivery nurse I would think that you would know of the dangers of using cohash. I have always understood this to be a very dangerous herb to use if pregnant. It has usually been associated with creating a spontaneous abortion. I agree with the other moms advice that the baby will come when ready and to contact a healthcare professional if it gets to be an overdue situation!!
If she wants to 'induce labor naturally', she'll let the baby decide when he/she wants to come out!
If she absolutely must move things along, try nipple stimulation or intercourse. Some people had castor oil work for them, while other people who used castor oil experienced a very natural side effect - diarrhea - while on the delivery table.
I know it's hard, but she should really try to be patient and let nature take it's course.
Black and Blue Cohash can be dangerous. I would not use them unless I was under strict supervision of a midwife. Also, castor oil can be incredibly dangerous to your baby. It cause the baby to pass meconium in utero. Aspiration of the meconium can lead to serious health problems for you little one. Also, not form of inducing labor will work unless your body and your baby are ready. To force it will only cause distress in the baby and possibly cause your sister to end up with a c-section that would not have been needed otherwise. Tell her to get out and walk and enjoy the last days that she has with her little one. She WILL miss it when when it is gone.
I ALMOST tried cohash to induce labor with my 2nd child, but didn't after hearing negative things about it. I would not risk it. There are other methods that people claim work such as intercourse and physical exertion (climbing stairs) that I would try before the herbs. While they are natural herbs, women take these during menopause for the hormonal effects. I wouldn't risk the hormonal effects on an unborn child. A knowledgeable person in the health food store should be able to give her more info.
I used castor oil with both of my boys. With the first I took it at 7pm and was in hard labor at midnight. With the second, it didn't work the first time I tried it, but the second time I took it before bed and woke at 2pm in hard labor. I don't know if this is true, but I figured with something like castor oil (or sex or anything else natural) the baby wouldn't come before he was ready. Haven't heard about the cohash, but good luck!
I just had a baby December 3rd. I tried castor oil in some orange juice at 10 am and went into labor at 3 pm.
What is that? I know lots of walking will help.
peppermint oil is great. i rubbed it all over my tummy... it was awesome during labor too-- it has an icy-hot kind of feeling that disperses the pain.
black and blue cohosh are not safe before you want to go into labor, because they can induce labor. so you can use it at the end of pregnancy when it's time. ;)
I don't know, but that stuff didn't do a thing for me! Or the cumin tea. That was NASTY! I like trying the sex method, but even that didn't work. Hope she finds something.
I haven't gone through and read everything everyone else is saying so I'm sorry if I'm repeating. Everything I have heard and read strongly discourages using this method. Especially not without the supervision of an experienced medical professional of some sort. Believe me, I know what it's like to be done...I'm 34 weeks and so ready to be done, but if she hasn't gone into labor yet, there's a reason. Unless her doctor has recommended it I would never try something like this. There are other ways, as I'm sure you know as a L&D nurse, but she really should just let nature take it's course - better safe than sorry!
I swear the baby will come when he/she is ready!! I'm due on the 28th.. I've tried sex (my poor husband runs away now..lmao!!) I've walked around the mall in laps.. gone up & down my stairs at home numerous times!! Don't rush it, it'll happen when it happens! I've been at 1cm for the last 4 wks.. found out that i finally moved to 2cm yesturday!.. Mind you i have 2 other kids and they were both very fast moving! So this is really weird to me and i've been so frusturated!! I just gave up.. figured nothing that 'I' do will help..lol, just let nature take it's course! Tell her good luck!
M.
i used the blue/black cohosh under suggestion of my midwife. I think it was a couple drops of each in some water, and yeah it tasted awful! I took it everyday for 2 or 3 weeks and nothing. Tried all the other "natural methods" and none of them worked either.
I am not aware of the risks of this herb that other people are mentioning, other than if you take it in early pregnancy, it could cause some problems.
good luck to her, and patience!
I tried the blue and black cohosh tinctures TWICE with my last pregnancy. Mind you with my previous FOUR pregnancies I had them all before 38 weeks. Here I was starting my 39th week and two different days I tried it. I found the "recipe" for how much to use on a midwife's website. No luck. Then a friend suggested the castor oil. I took it at 4pm and labor started around 8-9pm. I never really got the diarrhea, but it was worth it to me if I did.
Nipple stimulation and intercourse worked for me!! oh and RELAX!!!! good luck!!
If your sister's OB or midwife is in agreeance with her having this baby anytime now, she can talk to them about having her membranes stripped. This worked for me (I didn't want to be induced and I was a week late) and I was in labor within hours. From procdure to delivery was about 10 hours.
